- Events and Regattas
From Spectacle to Soul: The Photography Exhibition That Redefines Yachting Culture
The Shift from Spectacle to Soul
The Monaco Yacht Show has long been the definitive stage for yachting’s grandest spectacles—the newest builds, the sharpest designs, the biggest names. But this year, a different kind of ambition is taking center stage. MYS is inviting attendees to see the industry not just through the lens of engineering and scale, but through the poetic eye of celebrated photographer Guillaume Plisson. His exclusive exhibition, “Tribute to Yachting,” is a calculated, bold move. It signals a shift from pure commerce to culture, a direct acknowledgment that the yachting world is a human story as much as a business.
Beyond the Specs: The Human Story Underneath
Guillaume Plisson is not just a photographer; he is a storyteller. His work is revered for its ability to capture the “invisible”—the quiet tension of a gesture, the moments of calm before a departure, the rhythm of life lived on the water. In a setting where horsepower and GT often do the talking, these images offer something else: a glimpse into the raw human effort, the quiet dignity of a crew, and the intelligence behind the lines of a vessel. This exhibition is a window into the stories that live beneath the polished surfaces, offering an authentic, behind-the-scenes look that few ever get to see.
The Sailor’s Eye: A Lens Built on a Legacy
Plisson’s credibility is his greatest asset. As he puts it,
“I sail to photograph, and I photograph to sail. I am a sailor-photographer.”
This is not an artist parachuting into a foreign world; this is a veteran of the sea capturing its essence from within. His 37 years of living this dual passion give his work a depth and truth that is impossible to fake. This perspective, born from a life on the water, makes his “Tribute to Yachting” an intimate and genuine retrospective, a deep, knowing look at an industry he is as much a part of as the yachts themselves.
An Invitation to a Slower Gaze
Displayed throughout Port Hercule, nearly 100 large-format photographs will be placed along the attendees’ journey. This placement is strategic. It is a subtle invitation to slow down, to pause amidst the bustle, and to reflect on the meaning of it all. These images are meant to be felt. They encourage reflection, evoke emotion, and give a moment to connect with the genuine spirit of yachting. For an industry that moves at a frantic pace, Plisson’s work is a welcome anchor, urging a moment of quiet appreciation for the craftsmanship, vision, and emotion that bring these vessels to life.
The MYS Mandate: From Showcase to Cultural Hub
This artistic presence is part of a larger, confident strategy by the Monaco Yacht Show. MYS is not content to simply be a marketplace. It has a broader ambition: to be a cultural and emotional experience. It’s a reminder that while innovation and engineering are essential, the true heart of yachting is a human, artistic, and emotional endeavor. This is an authentic and powerful addition to MYS, a must-see for anyone who wants to connect with the industry on a deeper level. It proves that the art of the sea is just as important as its science, and that its future is built on both.
